Planned Parenthood offers payment plans for most services, but the structure depends on your location and the type of care

Planned Parenthood clinics do offer payment plans for services including contraception, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and abortion care. The specifics—how much you pay upfront, how long you have to pay, and whether interest applies—vary by clinic location and the service itself. There is no single national payment plan; each Planned Parenthood affiliate sets its own terms based on local costs and the patient's ability to pay.

Most clinics use a sliding scale fee structure first, meaning they adjust your cost based on your household income and family size. If you cannot afford the full amount even at the reduced rate, that is when a payment plan becomes an option. You typically discuss this directly with the clinic's financial counselor or billing staff when you schedule or arrive for your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Planned Parenthood clinics set their own payment plan terms, so you need to contact your specific location to learn what they offer.
  • Most clinics apply a sliding scale fee first based on your income, which may reduce or eliminate what you owe before a payment plan is needed.
  • Payment plans typically require a down payment at the time of service, with the remainder due over weeks or months.
  • Some clinics accept third-party financing like CareCredit, while others use internal payment arrangements with no interest.

How to find out what your local clinic offers

Call or visit the Planned Parenthood clinic in your area directly—do not rely on the national website alone, because payment options are set locally. When you call, ask specifically: "Do you offer payment plans, and if so, what is the down payment and how long do I have to pay?" Have your household income and family size ready, because the clinic will use that to calculate your sliding scale fee first.

You can find your nearest clinic on the Planned Parenthood website by entering your zip code. Some larger cities have multiple locations, and different clinics may have different payment structures, so confirm with the one where you plan to receive care.

What typically happens at the time of service

When you arrive for your appointment, the clinic's financial staff will discuss cost and payment options before or after your visit, depending on the service. If you cannot pay the full amount that day, they will present a payment plan option if one exists at that location. This usually means paying a portion upfront (often 25 to 50 percent of the total) and signing an agreement to pay the rest over a set period, usually 2 to 12 months.

Some clinics accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash for ongoing payments. Others may require automatic bank transfers or checks. Ask about all payment methods when you discuss the plan, so you know what will work for your situation.

Sliding scale fees and how they reduce what you owe

Before a payment plan is discussed, Planned Parenthood will calculate what you actually owe based on your income. If your household income is below a certain threshold—which varies by state and clinic—you may pay little to nothing. The sliding scale is designed so that people with lower incomes pay less than the full service cost.

This means the amount you would need to finance on a payment plan is already reduced. For example, if a service costs $300 at full price but your sliding scale fee is $75, you would only need to arrange a payment plan for that $75 amount, not the full $300.

Third-party financing options

Some Planned Parenthood clinics accept CareCredit, a third-party medical credit card that lets you finance healthcare costs. CareCredit often offers promotional periods with no interest if you pay off the balance within a set timeframe (typically 6, 12, or 24 months depending on the promotion). If you do not pay it off by the end of the promotional period, interest accrues retroactively from the original purchase date.

Not all clinics accept CareCredit, so ask when you call. If your clinic does not offer it but you want to explore it, you can apply for CareCredit on your own and use it at any healthcare provider that accepts it. Be aware that CareCredit is a credit product, so applying will result in a hard inquiry on your credit report.

What to do if you cannot afford a payment plan

If the clinic's payment plan terms do not work for your budget, ask about other options. Some clinics have partnerships with nonprofit organizations that help cover costs for specific services, particularly abortion care. The clinic's financial counselor should know what local resources exist.

You can also contact the National Abortion Federation Hotline (1-800-772-9100) if you are seeking abortion care and need help finding funding or payment options. They maintain a list of clinics and funds that may help cover costs, and they can connect you with resources in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay something on the day of my appointment?

Most clinics require at least a partial payment at the time of service if you are using a payment plan. The amount varies, but it is typically 25 to 50 percent of your total cost. Confirm this when you call to schedule, so you know what to bring.

What happens if I miss a payment?

This depends on your clinic's policy. Some clinics may charge a late fee or suspend services until the account is current. Call your clinic's billing department immediately if you cannot make a payment—they may be able to adjust the plan or work out a solution rather than penalizing you.

Can I use insurance instead of a payment plan?

Yes, if you have health insurance, Planned Parenthood will bill your insurance first. You would then owe only your copay or coinsurance amount. If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover the service, that is when the sliding scale and payment plan options come into play.

Are there payment plans for abortion care specifically?

Yes, most Planned Parenthood clinics offer payment plans for abortion services. Because abortion costs vary widely depending on how far along the pregnancy is and the method used, the payment plan terms may differ from other services. Discuss this directly with the clinic when you call.

Can I pay online or by phone?

Some clinics allow online or phone payments for ongoing plan installments, while others require in-person or mail payments. Ask your clinic which methods they accept when you set up the plan, so you know how to make future payments.